Three years ago I looked at the best places in the library. Today, we’re gonna dissect the new atrium. Your BSM hour just got a whole lot more exciting. The new atrium offers plenty of options to study or relax, and today, we are going to find the best place for all of your BSM Hour needs.

The criteria:

Nap ability: Can you successfully catch some zzz’s?

Study ability: Can you get work done?

Conversation ability: Can you have a deep (or pretty surface-level) conversation with your pals? (Whether it be for a group project or just to de-stress)

The Upper Pentagonal Seating:

This location is the first one you see upon entering from the main entrance. It includes a collection of triangular ottomans pressed together to form a cushy, cozy bed-like structure. This place is obviously wonderful for napping; if you grab two cushions, you get the same sensation you would napping on a couch. It is also very conducive to holding a conversation because the cushions form a nice place to relax, and it is relatively secluded, so you won’t be disturbing others. The study ability is kind of where this location falls apart. While it is possible, there aren’t any real tables where you can properly take notes. It is hard to spread out, which causes you to crouch over your homework like a turtle. While it does have some nice flat tables and some little portable desks, the tables are very low and the portable desks are too small too really get work done. The space does, however, work if you are just reading one of your English books or typing something on a computer.

Verdict: Go to the Pentagons if you want to nap or talk to people.

The Patterned Chairs (upper level):

These are the chairs in a little cluster right by the theater hallway. They are plaid and cozy and provide a lot of natural light from the ceiling. These chairs are also pretty good for napping. While they keep you in an upright position, they are comfy and allow you to settle in for a quick siesta. This location is best for conversations because the chairs are set up in a semi-circle, practically begging to be the location of your group project. The chairs are also fairly removed from everything else which gives your group a sense of privacy. The study ability here, however, is sub-par. There is a little coffee table, but again, it is hard to get much work done when you’re hunched over as if in a reenactment of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The chairs work but might not be ideal.

Verdict: Go to the Chairs if you want to chat.

The Inner Atrium:

Now here we’ve got an interesting setup. This location is made for a lecture, speaker which means it might be a little peculiar for your typical BSM Hour needs. Napping here works great with the red pillows; without them, it’s a little uncomfortable. The tiered setup affects conversations as well. Rather than sitting across from people, you are next to them, so it’s a little harder to have a staring contest without craning your neck or turning your body to face them. To some, this lack of eye contact is unheard of, but for most us–those who avert our eyes while walking down the hall so you don’t awkwardly end up staring at people who may or may not be in our math class, but we’re really not sure––then this location works just fine for all conversation needs. Studying is a little hard. As in the previous places, there aren’t a lot of good tables to spread out on, so you have to hunch. The vast space does give you room to stretch your legs and work on your laptop, so that’s nice. One extra bit of criteria specific for this location is the learning environment:

Teaching Ability: If you have a class or meeting in that space, is it capable to conduct business?

Is the inner atrium really conducive to meetings? Yes and no. It’s a good place to gather everyone; it is visually appealing, but the higher up you sit, the less you can hear the presenter, especially if the people around you are also talking.

Verdict: Go to the Atrium if you need to conduct a meeting or if you want to stretch out a little bit.

In the end, where you sit is up to you. I personally prefer the inner atrium because it feels semi-secluded, and it has a lot of versatile functions. Another bonus is the combined chair and bed feel. You can stretch your legs while having a little back support. So if you need to find me during 5th hour, that’s where I’ll be… Well actually not really, because I will most likely be watching marvel compilations in the writing center in the library, but still. This is the best location in the new space.

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